Kibirige earns place on India’s professional golf tour

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Ugandan professional golfer Marvin Kibirige shot an overall 7-over 295 across 72 holes to finish ninth at the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Qualifying School 2026 Final Stage at Kensville Golf and Country Club in Ahmedabad on Friday.

His finish earned him a full card for the 2026 PGTI season, placing him among the 47 golfers who secured full playing rights.

Kibirige returned rounds of 72, 74, 76 and 73 to place ninth out of 82 golfers competing for the tour card, with only the top 47 qualifying. Over the four rounds, he recorded two eagles, 12 birdies, 36 pars, 21 bogeys and one double bogey.

Earlier, the golfer had carded a level-par 142 over 36 holes to finish second overall in the opening PGTI Qualifying School tournament at the same course. That result saw him advance directly to the final stage, skipping the next two qualification rounds.

Zambian golfer Sydney Wemba also secured a tour card after finishing with a total of 4-over 292. Indian Shubham Jaglan won the final qualifier with a 6-under 282, finishing ahead of American Jhared Hack, who posted a 1-under 287.

Kibirige will now turn his attention to his first tournament of the season, the sh589m prize money Chhattisgarh Open Golf Championship 2026, scheduled for February 3 to 6 at the Fairway Golf and Lake Resort in New Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

“I’m thrilled to join the DP World Tour PGTI! Competing against the best in the world is my dream, and I'm ready to take on the big boys,” Kibirige said.

“Huge thanks to Equity Bank for believing in me and supporting my goals—their backing means everything. I’m grateful for the brand that champions dreams, discipline, and growth. Let's keep moving forward, together," Kibirige stated.

Formed in 2006, the Professional Golf Tour of India is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. Its objective is to promote professional golf in the country while giving players an opportunity to participate in decision-making on all aspects of the game.

Recently, the PGTI announced a multi-year partnership with global logistics company DP World, which becomes the Title Partner and Official Umbrella Partner of India’s premier professional golf tour. The partnership is expected to strengthen the tour’s growth, professional standards and global integration.

Under the agreement, DP World will work closely with PGTI to improve tour infrastructure and long-term sustainability, create global playing pathways for India’s leading professionals and support grassroots and junior development programmes across key cities. The initiative is also aimed at positioning India as a key hub within DP World’s global golf ecosystem.